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Barnama
19-05-2025
- Barnama
- Tapping, Riding, Gliding – the Everyday Ease of Getting Around in China
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. Public transportation here doesn't just move people – it empowers them. Before arriving in China, I had heard much about its high-speed trains and sprawling cities, but nothing quite prepared me for how seamlessly everything functions together. From subways and high-speed rail (HSR) to ride-hailing apps and bike-sharing systems, China's infrastructure is impressively fast, affordable and well-organised. However, traffic regulations appear to be less strictly observed. Pedestrians often cross at zebra crossings even when the light is red, and some vehicles continue through crossings despite green pedestrian signals – posing risks to both walkers and cyclists. Take the Beijing Subway, for instance. With 27 lines and over 500 stations, it is one of the busiest metro systems in the world, yet it runs with remarkable efficiency and punctuality. This occurs despite the presence of hundreds of surveillance cameras monitoring the roads. Smarter Transportation Integration – All in One App Navigating China's vast cities has never been easier, thanks to real-time updates on apps like Baidu Maps and AMAP. Fares are remarkably affordable – starting as low as 1 yuan (about 60 sen) for short bicycle rides and 3 yuan (around RM2) for a subway trip – all payable through contactless methods like WeChat Pay or Alipay. Need a bus? Just check AMAP or Baidu Maps. Want a ride? Didi appears within seconds. Fancy a bike ride along tree-lined lanes? Shared bicycles are readily available, even in less touristy areas. Looking for an e-scooter? Just scan and go. While Malaysia is making progress with platforms like Touch 'n Go and Grab eWallet, the experience remains fragmented. Separate apps for MRT access, ride-hailing, and parking mean that travel is not yet as fluid or integrated. Effortless Transportation – Beyond the Mega Cities In Beijing, the subway system runs like clockwork, with stations so well-connected that transferring between lines feels almost effortless. What truly struck me, however, was that this level of convenience isn't confined to China's mega cities. I recently had the chance to visit Inner Mongolia under a programme organised by the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC), and even in Hohhot – the capital of the autonomous region – the transportation experience was just as smooth. The journey from bustling Beijing to the serene steppes of Hohhot was a masterclass in transport efficiency. It began at Beijing North Station, where I boarded the HSR to Hohhot. The train was punctual, comfortable and incredibly fast – covering the 400-km distance in just 2.5 hours. For comparison, that's almost the same time it takes to drive or go by train from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh, a journey spanning just 200 km. The HSR train reached speeds of 250 to 300 km per hour, yet the ride was so smooth I could work on my laptop without any disruption. What stood out further was the quality of infrastructure in Hohhot and even in Ulanqab. Roads were immaculate – no potholes, no uneven patches, just smooth driving surfaces. And bike lanes were clearly marked and dedicated – not only in city centres but even on the outskirts – making cycling both safe and convenient. Of course, it might be unrealistic to expect widespread daily cycling in Malaysia, given our hot and humid climate. The encouraging news is that Malaysia is making strides. The upcoming MRT3 line, continued improvements to the Electric Train Service (ETS), and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) – slated to begin operations in June 2026 – signal promising progress. However, to truly elevate the commuter experience, Malaysia would benefit from enhanced last-mile connectivity – such as dedicated lanes for bicycles and e-scooters, walkable paths, and a unified digital platform integrating all transport modes into a single app. Such advancements would go a long way in making daily travel smoother, smarter, and more accessible. -- BERNAMA Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.
Barnama
05-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
- Living In China Without Mandarin? Patience & Technology Go A Long Way
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. Yet, with a little patience and the help of modern technology, even the most unfamiliar situations can become manageable. Especially when many had warned me that most locals do not speak English – the so-called universal language. Arriving in China without speaking a word of Mandarin can be a daunting experience. Thanks to China's sweeping digital transformation, navigating daily life as a non-Mandarin speaker is no longer as difficult as it once was. I vividly recall a visit to Wu Mart on Jinbao Street to buy cleaning supplies. With every product label and price tag written entirely in Mandarin, it took me over 10 minutes just to locate the detergent I needed. Simple tasks that are typically taken for granted – ordering food, using public transport or shopping for daily necessities – suddenly became exercises in patience and determination. During my first week in Beijing, the language barrier proved to be an immediate and constant challenge, often leaving me feeling homesick and anxious. A kind staff member noticed my confusion and tried to assist, but she didn't speak English either. I had to rely on hand gestures and improvised sign language to convey what I was looking for. At that point, even ordering food felt daunting – and for the first few days, I survived mostly on bread and buns. File photo Digital tools make life easier However, by the second week, digital tools began to ease the transition significantly. Google Translate quickly became indispensable – especially its instant camera translation feature, which allowed me to understand menus, signs and packaging labels within seconds. While the translations weren't always perfect, they provided just enough context to make informed decisions in everyday situations. Even more helpful was WeChat, China's all-in-one super app that proved essential for communication, payments and navigating life in a digitally connected society. Beyond messaging and calls, WeChat integrates a wide range of essential services - from e-payments and food delivery to ride-hailing, ticket bookings and even built-in translation tools. Its mini-programmes were particularly helpful in bridging communication gaps with locals and shopkeepers. Many people preferred to send voice notes, which I could translate to better understand and respond – a feature that proved invaluable when I visited a pharmacy while recovering from a cold. While some apps weren't particularly foreigner-friendly and lacked English-language settings, a quick screenshot followed by translation through WeChat often solved the problem. Admittedly, it required a fair amount of patience – but it worked. Other useful applications include Baidu Maps and AMAP (also known as Gaode Map), both of which now offer English interfaces and voice-guided navigation. I personally use AMAP and, despite not knowing a word of Mandarin, I never once got lost – a testament to its accurate and efficient navigation system. For food delivery, Meituan is the go-to app in China. While it remains largely in Mandarin, a bit of translation assistance goes a long way in accessing its full range of services. Ride-hailing is made easier through DiDi, which offers an English-language option that greatly simplifies travel between destinations. Alipay, another dominant app alongside WeChat Pay, also supports English and is indispensable for daily transactions – from buying groceries and renting bicycles to booking train tickets. Senior citizens apt at using digital platforms What's even more impressive is how senior citizens in China have embraced these digital platforms, using them seamlessly for commuting, shopping and paying bills – a true testament to the country's deeply integrated, tech-driven lifestyle. By the end of my first week, daily life began to feel far more manageable. Small victories – like successfully ordering coffee or navigating the subway – gradually built up my confidence. The initial fear of miscommunication soon gave way to a sense of adventure, with every interaction becoming an opportunity to learn and grow. In today's digitally connected world, a blend of patience, technology and the kindness of strangers can transform even the most daunting situations into meaningful experiences. In China, not knowing Mandarin no longer means being lost – it simply opens the door to discovering new ways to connect. -- BERNAMA Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
New-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA long-wheelbase revealed at Shanghai Motor Show 2025
The Mercedes-Benz CLA L for China gets a 75 mm longer wheelbase while the overall length has gone up by 40 mm, making it as long as the C-Class Mercedes-Benz recently took the wraps off the new-generation CLA sedan, and the luxury offering now has a long-wheelbase iteration specifically for the Chinese market. The automaker has revealed the new Mercedes-Benz CLA long-wheelbase at Auto Shanghai 2025, bringing some extra legroom along with more market-specific changes to the entry-level luxury sedan. Mercedes-Benz CLA L Revealed For China Dubbed as the new Mercedes-Benz CLA L, the long-wheelbase iteration follows the same design language as the global model that debuted in March. The wheelbase on the new CLA L has grown by 75 mm, while the overall length is up by 40 mm. This makes the model longer than the C-Class at 4,763 mm, while the wheelbase is nearly identical too. Also Read : Mercedes-Benz GLB 7-seater SUV discontinued in India The Mercedes-Benz CLA L not only gets a longer wheelbase but several China-specific features including select apps and voice assistant The cabin remains identical to the new CLA with the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display. However, the system runs a new in-house developed with the software optimised for the Chinese market. There's also a new MBUX voice assistant based on the Chinese AI tool DouBao. Other China-specific features include 'Just Talk' that lets users in any seat of the vehicle interact with the car with the voice assistant in native Chinese and English languages. The additional legroom at the rear comes with a unique rear seat with a cushion that's been extended by 10 mm for more leg support. The rear seats also offer softer bolstering for more balance and comfort. Other notable features include Dolby Atmos spatial audio, while the navigation system incorporates features like lane-level navigation, 3D mapping and traffic signal timers, with the latter possible thanks to local provider AMAP's data. The Mercedes-Benz CLA L will be available in China with a rear-wheel-mounted electric motor producing 268 bhp and a range of 866 km (CLTC) on a single charge Mercedes-Benz CLA L Specifications Mercedes has confirmed that the new CLA L for China will be available with all-electric propulsion in China. The company promises a range of 866 km (CLTC) on a single charge. It will be able to support fast charging up to 320 kW, which will allow 370 km of range in 10 minutes. Power will come from the rear-mounted electric motor tuned for 200 kW (268 bhp). It's unclear as to which version of the CLA will make its way to the Indian market. Mercedes-Benz has been instrumental in bringing the long wheelbase versions of its luxury cars, a trend picked up by other manufacturers as well. It'll be interesting to see if the CLA gets a right-hand drive LWB version specifically for India, when it arrives next year. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 25 Apr 2025, 19:25 PM IST
